Did you know that the online ticket industry will be worth $60 billion by 2026? One big reason for that: the constant demand for concert tickets.
These days, almost all concert fans use online marketplaces to get their tickets. And why wouldn’t they? This method saves you from waiting for hours in line at the ticket booth and guarantees you’ll get a ticket.
Of course, this is only true if you’re used to buying tickets online. If not, here are ten concert ticket buyer mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
1. Not Checking the Terms
All reputable ticket vendors will have a list of terms and conditions featured prominently on their websites. Go through these terms carefully. Doing so might help you avoid hidden costs or other post-purchase surprises.
Sometimes, the event itself may come with certain restrictions. Common examples include no-refund or no-cancellation policies. If you’re not sure if these rules apply to your event, contact the event organizer directly.
2. Neglecting Age Restrictions
One key event condition many buyers neglect is the age restriction. In general, most concerts and festivals require attendees to be 18 years old. If you’re underage or want to go with someone who is, check the fine print.
It’s worth noting that many events consider the age policy to be more of a guideline than a rule. That’s particularly true for non-US shows. Again, if you’re unsure, consider contacting the event organizer.
3. Waiting Too Long
If there’s a classic ticket-buying mistake, it’s waiting too long. A lot of people assume they can get the tickets closer to the event date. If the concert is big enough, though, they may end up having to buy tickets from a scalper.
Beyond the threat of missing out, there are other reasons to book your tickets as soon as possible. A big one is that you may get a better deal. Many platforms offer early bird discounts or lower rates for pre-booking.
If you have a credit card, for instance, it’s always worth checking if you qualify for presale concert tickets. On top of locking in your seat early, you’ll save money and get access to some of the better seats.
4. Ignoring the Schedule
Are you buying a ticket for a single event at a multi-day festival? If so, double-check the event schedule to confirm you’ve got the right venue. You don’t want to show up to the event just to find out you’re a day early!
While you’re at it, take a closer look at the other details before submitting your payment. Beyond the date, time, and location, some events have additional requirements you should know about, such as dress codes.
5. Not Using a Dedicated App
Not all ticket vendors have dedicated apps. If they do, though, this will likely be the best way to buy tickets from them. Most of these apps try to cater to customers’ needs by offering deals, more ticket payment options, etc.
The vendor app may also provide other benefits if you know what to look for. For example, it can alert you when the tickets you want go live. Apps are also less prone to glitches, long loading times, and other browser issues.
6. Mismanaging the Queue
When you’re buying tickets online, you may find yourself in a waiting queue. If so, don’t refresh the page for any reason. Doing so may reset your spot in the queue, dropping you back to the end of the line.
Another thing to watch out for here is to only open the page in one window. See, most ticket vendors will only allow you to make one booking at a time. If you flick between the windows, you may lose the tickets you bought.
Of course, the best solution to waiting in a queue is to avoid it. To improve your chances of that, go to the vendor’s website early. For best results, refresh the page at least ten minutes before the sale goes live.
7. Not Comparing Prices
If you’re buying tickets for a big event, they’ll be available in several places. Chances are, those places will sell the same seats at different rates. To ensure you’re getting a good deal, compare prices before buying tickets.
Fortunately, there are plenty of sites that can help with comparing ticket prices. Use these sites (or their apps) to track any potential price changes and get your tickets when it suits your budget.
8. Using Unreputable Sites
As simple as it is to buy tickets online, watch out for concert ticket scams. These scams can involve emails or social media posts offering tickets at very low prices. Complex scams may even include fake websites!
Want to ensure your concert tickets are legit? The best way to do that is to buy them directly from the organizer’s website. The other option is to use a reputable partner offering cheap concert tickets for sale.
9. Not Researching the Venue
Before getting your tickets, you should take a closer look at the concert venue. Pay particular attention to the seating arrangement. Some venues have sections with obstructed views or issues with the space itself.
To get the view you want, check the seat noted on the ticket. If it seems a bit uncomfortable, find tickets offering access to other sections. Try to do your research before the gates open to avoid settling for what’s available.
10. Not Having an Account
If you’re buying tickets via a ticketing website, make an account with them first. Otherwise, you could end up waiting in a queue for no reason. Most of these sites ask you to log into an account to complete a purchase.
Having an account also allows you to save your payment card details. This can be invaluable if you’re booking your tickets in a hurry. The less info you need to put in, the more you can focus on the details that matter.
More on Concert Ticket Buyer Mistakes
Whether you’re buying your tickets early or snagging one in the nick of time, you need to know what not to do. The above list of concert ticket buyer mistakes should be a good first step on your research journey!
Looking for more concert-related tips? Check out our Entertainment section!
